Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Security Association of Namibia (SAN) has condemned an illegal strike allegedly instigated by the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) on Monday at the Namibia Protection Services parade after the workers called on the party to help them with wage demands and other perks.
The workers are demanding salary increases from the current N$8-N$10 to N$100 per hour. They are also demanding contributions towards a pension and that the company contributes 65% and the workers 35% towards it.
“We demand a fixed salary of N$10 000 for drivers; that the company allow workers to further their studies; and that the company pay workers for work-related injuries and the medical costs when workers are injured on duty,” read some of the workers’ demands.
They also want a danger allowance of N$2 000 per month and an annual bonus.
In a media statement, SAN president Dawid Nuuyoma said the incident may appear minor, but it has brought economic and legal implications to the contractual service delivery.
“SAN strongly distances itself from any such actions and we deem it unconstitutional, according to the Labour Act No 11 of 2007, and urges all security officers employed by its members to refrain from participating in unlawful strikes, as such acts or actions can lead to severe internal disciplinary actions,” said Nuuyoma.
He advised political parties and aggrieved employees to approach managers of the company to resolve matters amicably.
Namibia Protection Services (NPS) acting chief executive officer Fanie Horn, in a statement, said his company is taking steps to resolve the matter.
“We distance ourselves from any illegal action taken by NEFF, and wish to reassure our clients, and the public who benefit from a safe and secure environment, that NPS will continue to service its clients in an ethical and responsible manner,” said Horn.
An unfazed NEFF commissar for economic affairs Michael Amushelelo explained that they responded to a call from the employees who had already downed tools on Monday.
“As a result, the company acted swiftly because it is the largest security company in Namibia. The company deployed its acting CEO, who came to the parade. We agreed to a meeting with the company, which was led by NEFF with the workers,” said Amushelelo.
He added that NEFF is also not fazed by SAN.
“The workers are very happy with us. The security union is clearly afraid to lose membership, because for years they have been sucking our people and doing absolutely nothing. There are several companies who are not paying security guards and they are failing to force those companies to comply,” said Amushelelo.
NEFF gave the company till tomorrow to respond to the workers’ demands or they will embark on a nationwide strike.
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